Low dollar joiner bargain? - Woodworking Talk

MF Poor · 01-10-2009, 09:56 AM

OK... I'm looking for a low buck joiner, something 6" or bigger, and CHEAP. But still want reasonable quality. I need one that's semi-portable. (ie a benchtop model?) What's out there? Any suggestions? Any to stay FAR away from?

knotscott · 01-10-2009, 10:04 AM

I'd avoid a benchtop model altogether if possible, but they'd be better than nothing. They're very loud, small, light, and limited to smaller pieces. Better if you can squeeze in a stationary model.

I've seen some recent claims about the Delta JT360 being on sale for ~ $200....tough to beat that deal if you can find one.

The Harbor Freight 6" sells in the $200 range, and has a fairly large following as a functional no frills machine.

Keep your eyes peeled for a good used 6" jointer locally.

MF Poor · 01-10-2009, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knotscott

I'd avoid a benchtop model altogether if possible, but they'd be better than nothing. They're very loud, small, light, and limited to smaller pieces. Better if you can squeeze in a stationary model.

I've seen some recent claims about the Delta JT360 being on sale for ~ $200....tough to beat that deal if you can find one.

The Harbor Freight 6" sells in the $200 range, and has a fairly large following as a functional no frills machine.

Keep your eyes peeled for a good used 6" jointer locally.

I've been watching Craigslist, EBAY, local fish wrapper classifieds, ect, for months. Nothing decent has popped up. I need one that's easy to move from job to job. (ie lightweight) I've got an ancient Delta 8" in my shop. I don't want to pack it around, nor do I want to chance anything happening to it. Dad had an older Craftsman that I let get away. It was not a bad machine all in all. Wish I had that'n back.

As a matter of choice, I don't want to be seen in Harbor Freight....

At this point, my best bet is a local tool dealer who has a few re-man/re-conditioned Jet joiners.

Kudzupatch · 01-10-2009, 10:17 AM

Would you be interested in a 4"? Delta made some old cast iron 4" models that not toys, but they are small. All cast iron just like the big boys. I have one in my shop that needs a little attention. I got it in a trade and have no use for it. No motor but you could build a stand and add a motor to it fairly easy.

Lucas54 · 01-10-2009, 10:27 AM

The little 6" Delta Shopmaster isn't the best by a long shot, but it'll do the job. I've got one sitting out in the shop that I use. If I had it to do over, I would have saved up to get a proper jointer to use out there. For dragging around to different sites though I think it would be perfect.

smitty1967 · 01-10-2009, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MF Poor

CHEAP...reasonable quality...semi-portable

Boy, you're asking alot!

You must be a farmer.

In all seriousness, what you ask might be a little hard to come by....just like mom always used to say---you get what you pay for. If you don't want to part with the money to get a quality product, don't expect quality and repeatable, precision cuts on your projects, and don't expect much longevity in the machine. Its as simple as that.

regards,
smitty

BHOFM · 01-10-2009, 01:57 PM

With the economy what it is, pawn shops and the
like are a good place to start looking.

Don't get in a hurry.

I have looked at the Harbor Freight unit, looks pretty
good.

MF Poor · 01-10-2009, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kudzupatch

Would you be interested in a 4"? Delta made some old cast iron 4" models that not toys, but they are small. All cast iron just like the big boys. I have one in my shop that needs a little attention. I got it in a trade and have no use for it. No motor but you could build a stand and add a motor to it fairly easy.

VERY interested! PM me with contact info, especially your location.

MF Poor · 01-10-2009, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smitty1967

Boy, you're asking alot!

You must be a farmer.

In all seriousness, what you ask might be a little hard to come by....just like mom always used to say---you get what you pay for. If you don't want to part with the money to get a quality product, don't expect quality and repeatable, precision cuts on your projects, and don't expect much longevity in the machine. Its as simple as that.

regards,
smitty

Yeah, being a farmer has it's pitfalls. Mostly, poor people have poor ways.....

I'm aware that I won't get state of the art precision at $.10 on the dollar of what a really NICE joiner will cost, just hoping to strike a balance between cheap and "adaquate".

Found a deal on a 6" Craftsman today. It needs a motor. Looking @ $100. Awaiting a return call from seller now.

MF Poor · 01-10-2009, 08:55 PM

Well gang! That went off without a hitch! Just as I was about to start looking "new/cheap" I found SLIGHTLY used cheap. A Delta benchtop jointer, 2 years old, but used very little (approx 1 hour total run time) with stand for $150. Not a super killer deal, but cheaper than new and in new condition. Will pick up tomorrow.

dbhost · 01-10-2009, 10:55 PM

Congrats on the new jointer! Yeah there will be performance limits with that machine sure, but then again, it will do more than most people would suspect. If you hadn't nailed that one down, I would have suggested you look at the Sunhill Machinery SM-150B. Sunhill machines have a good reputation, and the SM150B has been on sale now for a while for $99.00 + S&H...

lucas.j.dunton · 01-11-2009, 03:03 AM

Where is the sunhill jointer on sale for $99.00?

dbhost · 01-12-2009, 11:29 AM

http://www.sunhillmachinery.com/SM-150B.htm

MF Poor · 01-12-2009, 02:26 PM

I have the Delta benchtop jointer home already. I picked up a new set of knives this morning. The previous owner didn't use it much, but he did use it on some dirty lumber. I'd rather start off with new knives. I've gave it the once over, then ran a few cuts with some hard walnut I had laying around. All in all, I'm happy with what $150 can do. It aughtta do just fine edging 3/4" white pine filler jambs.

Next on the list, going searching for a dedicated mortiser. Woodcraft has a Steel City model on sale until April. Gonna give that a look-see when I have time.

WDChew · 01-12-2009, 05:29 PM

I have the Delta bench top jointer, and in addition to the previous posts, you need to be very careful about it's alignment. The infeed and outfeed are aluminum and bend with any pressure at all on them.

Since they are short, you might want to make extensions to bolt on them. I made mine from melamine shelving cut-off's.